Bad Breath in Dogs: Causes and What Works

Bad breath is not a normal dog smell. By three years old, a large share of dogs already have periodontal disease.

Usual cause

Plaque hardens into tartar, gums become inflamed, and bacteria under the gumline produce the smell. Left alone it causes pain, tooth loss and bacteria entering the bloodstream.

Other causes

Kidney disease can produce an ammonia-like smell, and diabetes a sweet one. Both need bloodwork rather than a dental.

What works

Daily brushing with dog toothpaste — never human, the fluoride and xylitol are harmful. Dental chews help but do not replace brushing. A professional scaling under anaesthesia is the only way to remove existing tartar.

Anaesthesia-free dental scaling

It scrapes the visible surface only, leaves disease under the gumline untouched, and is stressful. It is cosmetic, not treatment.